Adam Jones believes he will be cleared to play

Glad to be just one of the 'Boys

Adam Jones has dropped the "Pacman," but figures to get his hands on some passes thrown his way at cornerback.

Forty-five minutes before Friday's initial training camp workout, Adam Jones quietly strolled onto the River Ridge practice field to take part in his first official practice as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

Unlike the hoopla that has surrounded him for much of his career, Jones' arrival was hardly noticed by throng of fans who were waiting for practice to begin.

After missing all of the 2007 season after being suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for multiple arrests and run-ins with the law, it's understandable why Jones was so anxious to get back to playing football.

Following the practice, Jones was asked if he ever doubted that this day would come.

"I wouldn't say that because I kept my prayers up and I always had faith, so I wouldn't say that," Jones said. "It feels good, man.

"I'm having a lot of fun out here, running around and learning the defense and getting more comfortable every day."

On Friday and again during Saturday's workouts, the player formerly known as "Pacman," showed flashes of the skills that convinced the Tennessee Titans to make the cornerback the sixth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft.

Late in Friday's drills he made two outstanding plays to break up potential completions. On Saturday, Jones showed everyone his ability to close on a receiver, as he broke on an out route intended for Terrell Owens, bolting in front of Owens just as the ball arrived, knocking the pass down and nearly intercepting it.

"He's a guy that has ball skills. When the ball's in the air, he has quick feet," said Owens. "I think the key thing is just coming in, learning the system, and once you get those plays down, it's all about athletic ability taking over."

The Cowboys are planning on using Jones' playmaking ability a lot this season, not just on defense, but on special teams as a punt returner and perhaps even as a wide receiver.

Before that can happen, Goodell must officially reinstate Jones. A few months ago, the commissioner partially reinstated him, allowing him to take part in the team's organized team activities and training.

The common belief is as long as Jones stays out of trouble during training camp, he will be cleared to play. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday he doesn't expect that ruling to come down much before the regular season starts.

"I'm not worried about it," Adam Jones said of the decision. "I already got what I need to do. If I stay out of trouble, there's no way he can say no. My main thing is to do my part and stay out of trouble and enjoy myself playing football."

Even though he hasn't played in a game since 2006, coach Wade Phillips isn't worried about Jones' inactivity.

Phillips said as long as Jones gets himself into good football shape, missing an entire season shouldn't not be a factor, partially because of his age (25).

"An older player I'd worry about, but not him," Phillips said. "It's similar to, I think, Tank Johnson last year, in that (they are both) smart players, a smart person.

"He's a smart guy that's certainly had off-the-field problems, as did Tank, but a hard worker. From all the information we've gathered, he works hard on the field. And smart guys that work hard on the field, I think they can realize that they made mistakes and correct that."

As a defensive-minded coach, Phillips is thrilled to have another playmaker on that side of the football.

Since coming to Dallas, there have been plenty of comparisons to former Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders, who like Jones, was a dynamic punt returner and even made an impact at wide receiver.

Phillips isn't calling Jones the next Deion, but he admits he has the same attributes.

"He's exceptionally quick," Phillips said. "He's got great speed. He's got a knack or feel some players don't have for seeing the football when he's playing man to man. ... And he's got tremendous break on the ball.

"He's got a real knack for anticipating. Just like linebackers do on some plays or good running backs anticipate somebody's gonna be there and they make a cut, he's got that anticipation."

Phillips added Jones runs with the ball exceptionally well, making him a threat on punt returns, interceptions and maybe kickoffs.

And what about on offense?

Phillips said it's possible Jones will find his way on to the field with Owens, Tony Romo and the rest of the high-powered Dallas offensive unit.

According to Jones, he played three plays on offense for the Titans, running two reverses for touchdowns and catching a touchdown pass on the other play.

"I think once he gets the defense down, I think you look at talent and if it's on the other side of the ball, (you use it) because he's got a unique running talent," Phillips said.

"Chicago used (Devon) Hester and I know he's a receiver now. ... We may look at him there."

For now, Jones is simply trying to fit in. He's always asking his new teammates and coaches question and he's working hard to learn the defense.

He's also been thrilling the fans with his superb skills, something Jones enjoys doing.

"It's not hard to stay focused (in front of a crowd)," Jones said. "If you can't play right now, you ain't gonna be able to play with them in the game. ... I actually play better with people behind me."